The Deniliquin High School P&C will once again run its Driver Education Program in 2024, a program which is now almost 20 years old.
Offered to Year 10 students, it provides students with access to training, education and high quality driving instruction.
The program runs for a week and covers many issues facing any road user.
Students are given access to guest speakers and presentations and speakers, exposed to mock crash scenarios, and taken through car maintenance and even fatigue management.
Driving practice is also part of the program, and each participants gets free lessons with a qualified instructor on completion of the program.
One free lesson with Deni Driver Training is funded through the work the school community has done at the previous years Deni Ute Muster, administering breath testing and working in the information centre.
Another $4000 has been donated from proceeds of the 2023 Deniliquin Truck Show & Industry Expo, supported by the Deniliquin Rotary Club, to give each student a second lesson for free.
But the second lesson is not just for the students, with the child’s nominated supervisor also required to attend.
The idea came about from a round table discussion between committee members, where parental supervision was identified as a key area to work on in helping young people make safe driving choices.
Mr Purtill said this session would cover new and updated road rules, and allow driving supervisors to ask him for advice on any other matters.
“The Deniliquin community is extremely lucky to have a driving instructor located locally, particularly one of Brian Purtill’s skill and ability,” Driver Education Program committee member Jenny Fellows said.
“To have the support of the many community groups that see the value of our Driver Ed program is amazing.”